Senior Housing Ashland NE | Arthritis Symptoms & Treatments

Arthritis occurs when your joints become swollen and painful, making it challenging to move around comfortably. If left untreated, it can make everyday activities, such as walking, cooking, or even typing, a struggle. It’s essential to take it seriously, whether it’s happening to you or someone you know, to prevent further pain down the road.

Arthritis and Aging

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, becomes more prevalent with age and significantly impacts older adults. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to pain and stiffness.

The causes of arthritis among seniors are often linked to a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors:

Age-related wear and tear on joints
Joint injuries or surgeries from earlier years
Obesity, which increases pressure on joints
Family history of arthritis

If left untreated, unmanaged arthritis in seniors can worsen, leading to permanent joint damage and decreased mobility. This may cause difficulty with everyday tasks such as walking or dressing. For those in senior housing Ashland NE, addressing arthritis early on is vital to maintain independence and a good quality of life.

Early Signs and Diagnosis in Senior Housing Ashland NE

Arthritis includes various types, each affecting joints in distinct ways. Residents in senior housing Ashland NE may encounter specific forms of arthritis as they age, with symptoms that vary depending on the type.

The most common form, caused by the wear and tear of cartilage, often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis. An autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its joints, typically starting in smaller joints, such as the fingers and toes.
Psoriatic Arthritis. Linked to psoriasis, it affects the joints and skin, causing swelling and, in some cases, deformity.
Caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in joints, most commonly the big toe, leading to sudden, severe pain.

Symptoms and diagnosis can differ depending on the type of arthritis. In general, common signs in seniors include:

Joint pain, especially after movement or in the morning
Swelling, particularly in the fingers, knees, or hips
Stiffness that worsens with inactivity
Decreased range of motion in affected joints

Diagnosing arthritis involves a combination of physical exams and tests. Common procedures include:

X-rays to observe joint damage or cartilage loss
Blood tests to detect markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity
MRI or ultrasound to examine soft tissues and joint fluid

Treatment Options: Medication, Therapy, and Holistic

Arthritis can significantly affect a senior’s daily routine, but with the right treatments, its impact can be managed to allow for a better quality of life. Residents of senior housing Ashland NE can benefit from various options to ensure they can still engage in everyday activities.

Medications are typically the first line of defense, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) helping reduce inflammation and ease pain, allowing seniors to stay more active.
Physical therapy is another important treatment, offering personalized exercises that focus on improving joint mobility and strengthening muscles in affected areas, which is especially helpful for seniors dealing with the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.
Holistic treatments, such as acupuncture, dietary adjustments, or massage therapy, can also complement traditional methods by providing relief and enhancing overall well-being, promoting a more holistic approach to arthritis care.

By increasing awareness of arthritis and its management, seniors and their families can make informed decisions to ensure that the challenges of arthritis are addressed with care and attention.

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco